Vajpayee touch

PRIYANKA Gandhi, the daughter of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has been living at 35, Lodhi Estate in New Delhi, for the last 14 years. As per records, she has to pay Rs.3.76 lakh annually as house rent to the government. It’s a small amount for the Gandhi family, but she is contesting the exorbitant rates being charged by the government. The matter is bound to be controversial in the changed regime, especially when the issue concerns the Nehru-Gandhi family. Priyanka is protected by the SPG which can’t take the risk that she lives elsewhere, at a vulnerable location. The house was allotted to her when Atal Bihari Vajpayee took over as Prime Minister. Vajpayee used to take care of the needs not only of the Gandhi family, but other Opposition leaders also. It’s learnt that the house was allotted to Priyanka at the initiative of Vajpayee himself. He deputed Brijesh Mishra to arrange for the house and instructed his son-in-law, Ranjan Bhattacharya, to look after the arrangements. Accordingly, 35, Lodhi Estate was allotted to Priyanka in no time. Vajpayee even called Priyanka after the allotment and informed her that she could get in touch with Bhattacharya whenever she had any problem. So far, she had not faced any problem. Who will she get in touch with now?